When you have pelvic pain that interrupts your day and causes you to modify your activities, it’s time to seek professional medical help. At Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc. in South Charleston, West Virginia, OB/GYN Kiran Patel, MD, and primary care physician Leela Patel, MD, offer diagnosis and treatment for pelvic pain so you can go back to living your life. If you have bothersome pelvic pain, contact the office for an appointment. Call today or book online.

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When should I see a doctor for pelvic pain?

Every woman experiences pelvic pain differently. Some women have a constant, dull ache, while others may have sharp, intermittent bouts of pain. Pelvic pain may only show up during certain activities, such as sexual intercourse or urination.

Pelvic pain may be a sign that there’s a problem in the organs associated with reproduction or urination.

Do not delay scheduling an appointment, especially if your pelvic pain is accompanied by:

  • Unusual vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • Worsening menstrual cramps
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Bloating and gas
  • Fever
  • Burning with urination
  • Bloody or cloudy urine

Pelvic pain is not something to ignore or push through. Evaluation helps find the cause, so you can receive treatment and find relief.

What are the possible causes of pelvic pain?

While pelvic pain can be due to normal ovulation or menstrual cramps, it may also be associated with a more serious issue like:

  • Endometriosis
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease
  • A urinary tract infection
  • Uterine fibroids
  • A miscarriage or ectopic pregnancy

Pelvic pain can also be a sign of uterine or ovarian cancer.

How is pelvic pain evaluated?

You provide a thorough review of your medical, gynecological, and family history as well as details about your symptoms, including frequency, intensity, and duration. A pelvic exam is performed to look for abnormalities, such as fibroids or scar tissue in the uterus.

You may also undergo lab and urine testing, which are done in house, to look for the signs of an infection. Screening for sexually transmitted diseases may also be performed.

An in-office ultrasound, which is performed by the skilled technicians at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc., may also be ordered. This test looks for fibroids, scar tissue, or ovarian cysts that may be causing your pain.

If your pain persists and these tests don’t uncover a definitive cause, you may need to undergo minimally invasive diagnostic surgery to look for (and possibly remove) endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when endometrial tissue, which makes up the lining of the uterus, develops outside your womb.

How is pelvic pain treated?

Treatment for pelvic pain depends on the underlying cause. If you have an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Hormone treatments, prescription medications, and minimally invasive surgery may be offered for issues like cysts, fibroids, or endometriosis.

Don’t just tolerate pelvic pain. Get help from the experts at Patel & Patel, M.D., Inc. Call the office for an appointment or book your visit online today.